The Adirondacks

6 million acres of wilderness, 2,00 miles of hiking trails and over 3,000 lakes and ponds- all within a day’s drive from New York City or Boston! This state treasure, larger than Yellowstone, Everglades, Glacier, and Grand Canyon national parks combined, was created by the state legislature in 1885 to preserve and protect the forest region in norther New York as “forever wild.” In fact, the park, is a mix of privately-owned land and vast tracks of state land. 

 

This mountain paradise attracted many of the wealthy families of the Gilded Age who built “camps” in the wilderness just as they had built “cottages” in Newport. Many of these so-called “Great Camps” are still in extant and grace the shorelines of the lakes in the park. Boasting cooler summer temperatures and the healthy outdoor activities, the region boomed in the early 20th Century. In the 21st Century we can still enjoy these same attractions in this unspoiled region just hours from some of our biggest cities. 

 

Water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are popular. Water skiing, swimming, fishing and sailing also abound. Hiking, mountain climbing, downhill and cross-country skiing are other options. Photographers love the beautiful lakeside sunsets and mountain vistas. 

 

Within the park are hamlets and villages that offer extensive dining and shopping opportunities. Imagine a day spent on the water or hiking up a spectacular mountain trail topped off with a fabulous dinner at one of the local hotspots! This is Adirondack living at its best.